Research indicates that children's active participation in healthcare appointments can lead to faster recovery, less anxiety, and increased feelings of value. However, child involvement levels have remained low over the past 50 years.
Key Details
- A new study on paediatric palliative care services in Australia analyzed 60 video-recorded appointments.
- Children communicated non-verbally through sounds (grunting, crying, laughing), actions (touch, gestures, posture), and facial expressions on average every 90 seconds.
- Adults actively included children through talking, playing, and gestures.
Children were least involved when only two adults (one family member, one healthcare professional) were present, as they discussed the child's treatment without including the child.
Involvement increased when more than one healthcare professional was present, allowing one to focus on the child while another communicated with the family.
Recommendations for Improving Involvement
- Healthcare workers should use diverse communication methods (e.g., singing, playing).
- Encourage flexible scheduling so multiple family members can attend.
- Fund services to include at least two healthcare professionals of different disciplines per appointment.
- Parents can actively engage children during appointments.